Newsroom
The latest news on government accountability and transparency in Hawaii.
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March 2010
New Video of Akaka Bill Law School Debate
Akaka Bill Law School Debate from Grassroot Institute on Vimeo.
(more)Newsroom
January 2010
Audio and Text Transcripts of Akaka Bill Panel Debate
Last Friday, January 15, 2010, the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii was proud to present a panel debate on the subject of the Akaka Bill. We were honored to have three presenters at this panel, Mr. Jere Krischel, Mr. Leon Siu and Mr. John Zogby present their own findings and opinions about the Akaka Bill in a spirited and informative discussion that helped to spread more information about the consequences of the Akaka Bill. (more)
Newsroom
January 2010
Akaka Bill Poll Findings Released
December 15, 2009--A new poll of registered Hawaii voters, conducted by Zogby International, has found that a majority of those surveyed oppose the Akaka Bill, while 76 percent oppose higher taxes to pay for the nation-tribe proposed in the bill. The poll was sponsored by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and conducted from November 18 to 23, 2009. (more)
Newsroom
December 2009
Akaka Bill Editorial, Grassroot Institute in Wall Street Journal
The Grassroot Institute's public education efforts concerning the Akaka Bill have earned a mention by the Wall Street Journal. The editorial cites the Grassroot Institute and Beacon Hill Institute's study on the economic impact of the bill, which could result in up to $689.7 million in lost state tax and land lease revenue annually. The exact amount would depend on the percentage of public land ceded. (more)
March 2010
Business Owners to Lawmakers: Tax Bills Kill Business, Cause Layoffs, Hurt Consumers and Taxpayers
While dozens of Hawaii’s small and large businesses have closed their doors in recent months because the economic recession has hit Hawaii hard, the majority of Hawaii business owners are struggling to find ways to stay in business and keep their employees by cutting costs, boosting revenue, and attracting new business.... (more)
December 2009
More Than a Decade After Condemnation, Hawaii Department of Transportation Still Owns Cherished Homes on Ancient Hawaiian Fish Pond
Just over a decade ago, Tad Hara, 84, lived in his dream home, which was a simple two-story wooden house built over a vibrant ancient Hawaiian fishpond, just steps from the stunning beach in East Oahu’s Niu community... (more)
December 2009
Jonathan Gullible’s Odyssey Continues: A Nigerian Free Market Play, Smuggling In & Out of Cuba, a Hundred Thousand CD’s, and the Finland Internet
A free market play was written and produced by Adedayo Thomas [below left] and Paul Ugbede and directed by Dr. Sam Kafewo [below right]. This production was based on my book, The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible: A Free Market Odyssey (aka JG) which was first published by Sam Slom and Smart Business Hawaii twenty years ago. With an acting cast of 22, the play was performed August 13 to 15, 2009 at the Drama Village of Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria. (more)
June 2009
Thinking is Sometimes Hard
Akaka Tribe Bill Back in the News
The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009 (S1011/ HR2314) begins movement in the US Congress. (more)
June 2009
State Forced Land Sales
The Power of Eminent Domain to Redistribute Land Ownership
The recent news has been filled with the term 'redistribution of wealth', but in Hawaii and elsewhere the power of the state to confiscate private property under the guise of economic development has never been more popular. The recent Supreme Court case Kelo v. City of New London in 2005 involving the use of eminent domain to transfer land from one private owner to another to further economic development is one example. In a 5-4 decision the Court held the state using eminent domain to redistribute property for redevelopment was permissible "public use" under the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment because the community derived "economic benefits". (more)
May 2009
A Culture of Indifference?
The DOE Deserves No New Funding
The Honolulu Advertiser recently reported that the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) may receive federal stimulus monies after all. Governor Lingle has previously said she planned to use those funds to balance looming budget deficits, in lieu of less appealing options such as raising taxes. Education is rightly one of the highest priorities of modern society. (more)
Blogs
Rooted in Reason
Grassroot Institute's Official Blog
The Mystery of Hawaiian History
Correcting historical revisionism and misconceptions promoted by the Akaka Bill.
Hawaii Spendometer
How Fast Does The State Government Spend Your Money?
$9,122,166,121.47
